Oversight

When we are children, our parents do everything in their power to ensure the people in our lives are there to protect us. Our teachers, the bus drivers, even the neighbors.
When our parents become old and ill, the job is the same, only in reverse. I don't know why it is in some people's nature to feel powerful over the weak and elderly. But these people exist, even among the ranks of nurses.
For those of you out there who have elderly parents in hospitals and nursing homes, I cannot stress the importance enough of making sure these places and the people who work there knows your loved one has an advocate.
I received many comments last week from people who advised me to go to the hospital at different times so the staff never knows when I'm showing up and to have different people go. The more the better, I was told. But that isn't an option for us, so I called the hospital's patient advocate - truly a great resource.
Not only did I see a vast improvement in my mother's care over the weekend, she even seemed to be enjoying the nurses yesterday.
So, caregivers who are new to the game, I suggest connecting with the patient advocate in the facility where your loved one is. At the very least, they will know your loved one has someone who cares. And it could very well improve the quality of care.